A large crowd attended a meeting about the carp Wednesday in Traverse City
hosted by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp.

Rick Balabon of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermenís Association
said carp might reduce populations of walleye, bass and other fish beloved
by fishing enthusiasts. Eric Andersen of the Michigan Charter Boat
Association said the carp could lead tourists looking for fishing to go
elsewhere.

Both groups seek to close Chicago shipping locks that could let the carp
reach Lake Michigan.

Professor Lock closure costs exaggerated

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) ó A Wayne State University business professor says
opponents are overstating the cost of closing Chicago shipping locks to keep
Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

John Taylor says closing the locks would boost transportation costs by $70
million a year. But many fear the $7 billion Great Lakes fishing industry
would be in jeopardy if the unwanted carp become established there.

Taylor analyzed potential economic losses for Michigan Attorney General Mike
Cox, who wants the U.S. Supreme Court to order the locks closed and require
eventual separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system.

Taylor is scheduled to discuss his findings with reporters Thursday.

Many Chicago barge and tour boat operators say closing the locks would ruin
their businesses.

Indiana Attorney General to file brief supporting Asian carp suit

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) ó Indianaís attorney general is preparing to file a legal
brief supporting Michiganís lawsuit aimed at keeping the Asian carp out of
the Great Lakes.

Attorney General Greg Zoellerís office says heíll file a friend-of-the-court
brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday supporting at least in part
Michiganís lawsuit.

Michigan wants the Supreme Court to order the closure of the Chicago
shipping locks to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan because the fish
could devastate the Great Lakes fishing industry.

Five other Great Lakes states support Michiganís suit. Although Zoellerís
brief will also support the suit, his office hasnít said how the brief would
stand on the lock closure issue.